Centurions Marco and Cato have returned home to Rome, but have not been
reassigned to any legion as yet. They are running out of money, and
hope that Cato's connection at the palace might find them a legion. The
pair are shocked one morning when Praetorian Guards crash into their
little flat with swords drawn and escort them off to Narcissus. They
are expecting to be executed.
Narcissus doesn't execute them, rather he sends them on a secret and
dangerous mission to recover three scrolls and a secret agent of
Narcissus'. At the same time, the pair meet their old nemesis, Tribune
Vitellius. Vitellius is to be in charge of their mission against
pirates, and the pair were now part of the marines, much to the chagrin
of Macro.
In Ravenna, a fleet is prepared under the orders of Vitellius. Shortly
after setting sail, and heavily loaded down, they encounter the pirate
fleet. After a destructive battle, Cato is sent back to Ravenna for
reinforcements. While in Ravenna, Cato tries to determine who might be
passing information about the navy to the pirates. It appears to be a
conspiracy, but who is behind it? He is unable to find anything out
before he has to return with the reinforcements.
Before long, the fleet finds it has a new commander when the emperor
sends Vespasian to take over command. It is his intention to take the
battle to the pirates. He sends Cato and Macro overland to reconnoitre
the pirate base. Will Vespasian's plans be successful or will a traitor
in their midst cause the plans to collapse?
Author Simon Scarrow's novel of Roman naval action is full from start to
finish with rollicking fights and battles. The fan of historical
novels will thoroughly enjoy the read. I found it hard to put down.
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